Guard holds live artillery test for dignitaries, press

“Don't blink or you'll miss it," Col. John Leblanc warned observers just moments before members of the 3rd Battalion 197th Fires Brigade of the New Hampshire Army National Guard were given the command to launch an artillery rocket.

By Andrea Bulfinch

abulfinch@fosters.com

fosters.com

By Andrea Bulfinch

abulfinch@fosters.com

Posted Jul. 28, 2013 at 3:15 AM
Updated Jul 28, 2013 at 1:38 PM

By Andrea Bulfinch

abulfinch@fosters.com

Posted Jul. 28, 2013 at 3:15 AM
Updated Jul 28, 2013 at 1:38 PM

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — “Don't blink or you'll miss it.”

Those words of caution were spoken moments before members of the 3rd Battalion 197th Fires Brigade of the New Hampshire Army National Guard were given the command to launch a practice round of HIMARS, an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

As the New Hampshire Army National Guard 3rd Batallion conducted training missions on Monday, July 22 during their annual two weeks of training, employers of those enlisted, members of the press, and commander of the state's Guard, Gov. Maggie Hassan, were invited to witness a live fire demonstration on the training grounds at Fort Drum.

Prior to the shoot, Assistant Adjutant General, New Hampshire Army National Guard, Craig E. Bennett, described the 3rd Battalion as having a long and proud history.

Six rockets were launched at Mach 1 speed at the command of Hassan.

Lt. Col. John Leblanc, who gave the initial warning not to blink as the group prepared for the launch, described the missiles as telephone poles with rockets on them.

In just 27 seconds and at the speed of sound, the missiles had traveled nine kilometers to a location where a remote team of soldiers would analyze the firing and return gathered data to the vehicle of execution.

LeBlanc explained that the HIMARS are $2 million each. He went on to say that 66 rounds costs $30,000; annual training for the National Guard soldiers is $1.89 million; $113 million is spent annually for battalion equipment and $21,000 is spent on fuel.

So what do the soldiers get from this mission? LeBlanc said qualifications and certifications to meet standards are accomplished and the training helps them achieve that.

He said launcher crews are getting certified to shoot during the two weeks training, which wrapped up Thursday July 28 with men and women returning to their homes sometime on Friday.

And although temperatures soared toward 100 degrees during the first week of the battalion's training, LeBlanc said the weather had not hindered their progress.

“It's going great,” he said.

Hassan said she was enjoying the day spent traveling with members of the states National Guard.

“Trips like this one today remind us of the professionalism our guardsmen bring to the job,” she said.

During a presentation before the launch, LeBlanc and additional guard members went over specifics of what was actually taking place during the firing.

The 197th fires brigade has both federal and state missions — federal missions are conducted during times of combat operations. But the state, commanders said, is the most important job, supporting the governor when forces are requested.

“We'll always be there anytime you need us,” Lt. Com. John LeBlanc said.

He continued with a lighthearted statement to Hassan referencing baseball while explaining just how far the HIMARS can travel.

“If we wanted to shoot from Fenway Park to Yankee Stadium, Governor, come see me,” he said.

Laughing and anticipating the launch she would command moments later, Hassan thanked LeBlanc and the Guard for their service.

“I'm privileged and honored to command the N.H. national guard,” Hassan responded.

On the return flight from Fort Drum aboard a KC-135, state officials and employers were able to witness a live refueling of F-16 Fighting Falcons belonging to the Vermont Air National Guard Fighter Air Wing.

Two planes were refueled simultaneously with one connecting to a boom at the front of the aircraft and another connecting in the rear.

“It's important we see this firsthand ourselves.” Hassan said. “And see what we ask our guardsmen and women to do.”